How did Leonardo da Vinci become a painter?
Leonardo was born an illegitimate son of a notary (lawyer) in Italy. Although little is known for sure, it appears he was raised by his grandparents with very little. At age 17 he moved to Florence where his father was the elite circle. He studied under the painter Verrocchio, and although he was a superior artist, it is thought that the high social influence of his father may have helped him. (Apparently his lack of formal education prevented him from becoming a notary or even a doctor – a trade was all he was able to pursue.
